When will Cameron act? Germany risks post-Nazi laws and calls in Army over migrant crisis

When will Cameron act? Germany risks post-Nazi laws and calls in Army over migrant crisis

CALLS for Cameron to call in the army to deal with the migrant crisis were bolstered today after Germany brought in troops to deal with the huge wave crossing its borders, in a move which potentially may have broken strict post-Nazi era laws.

A record 79,000 asylum seekers arrived in the European Union's most populous country last month alone, leading to mounting pressure on Chancellor Angela Merkel to act.

Troops from the Bundeswehr were deployed to erect tents and sanitary facilities, despite the nation's strict constitutional ban on deploying the military for anything other than defence or national emergencies.

The edict was imposed by Allied forces after the Second World War in 1945.

Mrs Merkel's recent action has prompted criticism from her coalition partners the Social Democratic party (SPD), who have claimed the nation's fundamental laws have been breached.

“We are strictly opposed to changing the basic law of the country for this purpose,” said Rüdiger Erben, deputy leader of the SPD in the central state of Saxony-Anhalt, where troops were called in.

GETTY

Angela Merkel is under pressure to tackle the immigration crisis

We are strictly opposed to changing the basic law of the country for this purpose

Rüdiger Erben, deputy leader of the SPD

Soldiers were also called upon in the northern state of Brandenburg and the city state of Hamburg.

However defence minister Ursula von der Leyen denied the accusation, adding: "The accommodation and care of refugees is a major task for society. For us in the armed forces it is a matter of course to help wherever we can."

The issue of immigration is often approached with caution by German politicians over fear of worsening the issue of nationalism.

As the country absorbs waves of refugees and economic migrants, pressure has grown on politicians after a sharp rise in attacks on migrant hostels, with 202 incidents recorded this year in comparison to the 198 last year.

The Ukip leader said: "In all civil emergencies like this we have an army, we have a bit of a TA and we have a very very overburdened police force and border agency.

"If in a crisis to make sure we've actually got the manpower to check lorries coming in to stop people illegally coming to Britain if in those circumstances we can use the army or other forces then why not."